For the Love of Words: Summer 2013 (Part 3)

the dinner crew - Christian, Tara, Kathy, Gretchen (Meg's mom), Megan, Emily, Alex, me, and Tyler

My 27th birthday came with this August 6th! I had really not planned on doing much of anything for this birthday, but my wonderful friends and family had something else in mind. For starters, Alex and Christian showed up at midnight with an assortment of items saran-wrapped to a wooden salmon and ton of Fireweed and other wildflowers on my windshield. After a picture, we called it a night, and to bed I went. I started out the morning by opening a lovely package from my family! It contained all sorts of goodies from my parents and my sister! Later in the day, Megan, her mom, and I went to the Alaska Native Heritage Center in the afternoon before I met up with Tara to get ready for dinner. Tara planned and coordinated getting everyone together for a wonderful dinner at The Bridge Seafood Restaurant (right on the water!) and then (most of us) went bowling after. It was definitely one for the books.

Alex, Meg, me, Kara, and Christian (with the salmon...)

dinner party

Em and me

No idea what Alex and Tara are doing... But I love it.

Tara, me, and Em!

my view from the front of the canoe

Floating in Portage is one of Tyler's favorite summer things to do... put the canoe and/or kayak in the river, paddle down to a slough, and fish... He had been trying to take me out there all summer, but the timing just never worked in our favor. Finally, in the middle of August, I had a day off when he was free, and the weather was good (well, not cold and raining)! We took the canoe, paddled down to his favorite slough, and fished. Ok, y'all... I'm all for canoeing (did a bit of that in the lower 48!) and being on the water, but fishing? I vaguely remember fishing for catfish on the Mississippi River bank with my grandpa when I was younger, but for the most part- fish are kind of gross. I was not optimistic about how much I would enjoy fishing, but OH WAS I EVER WRONG! It was SO fun. I didn't even catch anything, but it was fun trying.

Reeling it in

Tyler canoeing, catching and filleting salmon (he can also cook it- we ate some that night- DELICIOUS!)

Got a chance to go one more time a few weeks later with Ty and his friend Jeremy- it was a truly gorgeous day, and we had a blast! We took their neighbor's dog, Disco, too... They did all the work, and I just got to float in the canoe. :) Our fishing slough was pretty crowded, so we just floated on past and hung out on a deserted beach for a while. Really enjoyed the day!!

Em and me at the state fair!

The end of summer / beginning of fall brings about the State Fair! Em and I had a great time last year - and we did this year, too! I went two of the weekends- once with Alex and his mom (who was visiting from Oregon) and the 2nd time with Megan! Both times were a lot of fun... It is always cool to see all the insanely large local produce, check out the different food and craft vendors, and as an added bonus this year, the Young Dubliners did a free show- WAY FUN!

extra large produce

me, Em, and Alex

Meg and the Giant Pumpkin

Me, Bob (from Young Dubliners), and Megan

I was able to enjoy one last adventure during the month of August, courtesy of Scott, Andrea, and their girls! Scott works in Whittier and offered to take us out on the boat with them. Tyler was already headed back to the islands to work and Andrea had to work in town, but I tagged along with Scott and his daughters, Kelsey and Stacy. We had such a good time! Scott is a great captain and those girls will keep you entertained with their light, laughter, and stories!